Votre Main by Jean Desprez c1939

In 1939, the year "Votre Main" was launched by Jean Desprez, Europe and the world were on the brink of World War II. The late 1930s marked a tumultuous period of rising tensions, political upheaval, and economic instability. France, where Jean Desprez was based, was particularly affected by the looming threat of war, which would soon engulf the continent. It was a time of uncertainty and change, with cultural and societal norms undergoing shifts amidst the backdrop of global conflict.

Jean Desprez chose the name "Votre Main" for their perfume, a phrase that translates to "your hand" in French. This name carries a sense of intimacy and personal connection. In French, the word "main" not only refers to the physical hand but also metaphorically represents touch, connection, and personal expression. By naming the perfume "Votre Main," Desprez aimed to evoke a sense of personal closeness and elegance, suggesting a fragrance that could become intimately associated with its wearer.

"Votre Main" would have appealed to individuals who appreciated sophistication, refinement, and the artistry of fragrance. In the context of 1939, amidst the uncertainties of war, a perfume named "Votre Main" would likely have resonated with those seeking moments of beauty and luxury amid challenging times. It would have been seen as a personal indulgence, a small but meaningful luxury that offered a sense of comfort and elegance amidst the turmoil of the era.

Janusette Perfume Presentation c1969

In 1969, Leon Leyritz, a renowned French sculptor, brought his artistic vision to the world of perfumery through a unique creation for Jean Desprez's iconic fragrance, Bal à Versailles. Leyritz, whose celebrated works include sculptures gracing the Paris Opera House, was tasked with designing a vessel worthy of the luxurious essence it would contain. His masterpiece for Desprez took the form of a striking statuette of Janus, the Roman god with two faces—a symbol deeply rooted in mythology, representing duality, beginnings, and transitions.

This design choice was both symbolic and elegant. Janus, with his ability to look simultaneously to the past and the future, reflected the timeless nature of Bal à Versailles, a fragrance that paid homage to the grandeur of Versailles while being firmly planted in the present. The sculpted bottle, with its two contrasting faces, also embodied the duality within the fragrance itself—rich, sensual, and opulent, yet also refined and delicate. The Janus figure, carved with Leyritz's signature attention to detail, added an air of classical sophistication to the perfume presentation, aligning perfectly with the aura of regal luxury that Bal à Versailles exuded.

Beyond its artistic merit, the Janus statuette also held practical value as it was designed to hold the precious perfume in a bottle concealed within the sculpture, merging form and function seamlessly. This collaboration between sculptor and perfumer elevated Bal à Versailles from a mere fragrance to a work of art, a collector's piece that appealed to both connoisseurs of fine perfume and admirers of high art.